Côte d'Ivoire captain Franck Kessié has emphasized that the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana is a derby. The match, scheduled for Thursday, promises to be a highly competitive fixture in the AFCON qualifying campaign. Kessié's comments reflect the significance of the encounter between the two West African giants. The 2023 AFCON champions, Côte d'Ivoire, will host Ghana in Bouaké. Kessié's statement sets the tone for a intense match.
Kessié expressed confidence in his team's preparation, stating that they are working hard to absorb coach Hervé Renard's instructions. The Ivorian squad aims to produce a strong performance from the opening whistle. Despite Ghana's injury concerns, including the absence of key players like Mohammed Kudus and captain Jordan Ayew, Kessié insists that his team remains focused. Côte d'Ivoire's coach, Hervé Renard, has warned his team against complacency ahead of the match.
Ghana will be without several key players due to injury, including Mohammed Kudus and captain Jordan Ayew. Additionally, Amad and Adingra are set to miss the match, while Antoine Semenyo has withdrawn from the Ghana squad with an ankle injury. Despite these absences, Ghana's coach, Carlos Queiroz, remains optimistic about his team's chances. Queiroz has stated that the team's available players are 'good enough' to compete against Côte d'Ivoire.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana marks the beginning of the qualifying campaign for both teams. Ghana's Black Stars will depart Accra for Bouaké ahead of the match. The team's captain, Jordan Ayew, is among the players who will miss the encounter due to injury. Ghana's coach, Carlos Queiroz, has emphasized the importance of the match, stating that his team cannot afford to miss another AFCON.
Côte d'Ivoire's coach, Hervé Renard, has experience in managing high-pressure matches. He has warned his team against complacency ahead of the match against Ghana. Renard's team will look to build on their 2023 AFCON championship win. The Ivorian squad has been preparing intensively for the match, with Kessié emphasizing the team's focus on executing Renard's instructions.
The match between Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana is significant for both teams' AFCON qualifying campaigns. Ghana's Black Stars have a challenging task ahead, but coach Carlos Queiroz is confident in his team's abilities. Queiroz has stated that the team's available players are 'good enough' to compete against Côte d'Ivoire. The match will be a test of both teams' skills and strategies.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana will take place in Bouaké. The match is expected to be a highly competitive fixture, with both teams eager to secure a win in the qualifying campaign. Côte d'Ivoire's captain, Franck Kessié, has set the tone for the match, emphasizing its significance as a derby.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire captain Franck Kessié says the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana is a derby.
- Ghana will be without several key players due to injury, including Mohammed Kudus and captain Jordan Ayew.
- Côte d'Ivoire's coach, Hervé Renard, has warned his team against complacency ahead of the match.
